WSR Autumn Steam Gala 1 - 4 October 2015

Yes, very much so...

pic of Tornado at Westridge, Bishops Lydeard by Kelv Lumb

 

This is the first major WSR gala in a while (steam or diesel) that hasn't felt like a definite 'must do', whereas when the theme was announced I was thinking it would be a definite. I'm glad that the railway website explains that they did try to get appropriate 'early years' locos like a Bagnall or 6412 and couldn't, rather than the theme having just been abandoned, though, and Tornado is a good high-profile compromise solution.

I'm planning to go along for a normal running day next week as it's 7828/6960 on the roster (I like the current loco availability situation where you've got - by my reckoning - a 75% chance of getting a Manor or Hall on your WSR train any day of the week, they're both personal favourite types) so if the gala brochures are on sale by then I'll probably buy one and make a gala decision based on the roster.

 

Any ideas on which way they are all facing?

 

3 hav'nt arrived yet!

Usually considerable effort is made for gala workings to be chimney first. This relies on using the turntable at Minehead & triangle at Norton Fizwarren.
As the triangle is also used for discharging spent ballast ex Network Rail & currently the GWML electrification is resulting in frequent HOBC trains the triangle may not be available for all such moves at this time.

 

I am aware of the spent ballast issue at Norton which is why I asked the question. I know that now they have the triangle and the turntable every efort is made to run SB first during galas I did wonder if the ongoing ballast issues at Norton would preclude this happening?

 

If the triangle is not available for certain days, it would be Thursday and Friday when the ballast trains are most likely to run. However, the WSR may tell Network Rail that they cannot unload ballast on those days, thus making all four days clear. Tornado will arrive smokebox first of course (assuming it arrives by rail!) but I think I'm correct in saying it will not fit the turntable, so will only be able to be turned on the triangle therefore half its time will be running tender first, but should be changed at certain times to give photographers both opportunities.

 

The WSR is pleased to confirm that LNER Peppercorn Class A1 No. 60163 'Tornado' is Confirmed as attending the Autumn Steam Gala held between Thursday 1st October and Sunday 4th October. Our thanks go to the A1 Trust for allowing us to have Britain's newest steam locomotive. Other Engines attending are 2857, courtesy of 2857 Society and the Severn Valley Railway, and 7812 'Earlstoke Manor', courtesy of The Earlstoke Manor Fund and the Severn Valley Railway. Home locomotive include 7828 'Odney Manor', 6960 'Raveningham Hall', 4936 'Kinlet Hall' and 4160 making it's last major gala appearance.

 

I think you mean Erlestoke Manor - spelling!!

 

Loco allocations added to those timetables on the WSR site now too, which is a nice touch as I couldn't see any way of ordering a gala brochure with my timetable to get them. It lists them as public rather than working timetables, so wondering if there are goods trains to consider as well?

 

Yes -

Thursday 1st: 0900 MD - BL and 0855 BL - MD (2 separate trains)
Friday 2nd: 0900 BL - MD only.

 

A chance to ride behind 'Kilmersdon' during Autumn Steam Gala


(pic kindly provided by fotophile69)

The Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust's Peckett saddle tank engine Kilmersdon (works number 1788, built in Bristol in 1929) can normally be found shunting at the Trust's Washford Museum during WSR steam galas. However on the Saturday and Sunday of the Autumn Steam Gala there will be a chance to travel behind it for a short distance. Between other train workings the 0-4-0ST will run brake van shuttles in and out of Minehead station for a short trip along the line towards Dunster (but not actually as far as Dunster) and back again. (more info at www.wsr.org.uk)

Steve

 

#‎WSRASG‬ Copies of the Souvenir Guide for the Autumn Steam Gala plus information about the locomotive workings during the event are now on sale from the Minehead office (they will be sent to stations along the route in time for the weekend) and can be bought for £3.75 either over the counter from the Information Office or ordered by phone from 01643 704996.

Steve

 

I do believe it has visited in the past but it is the main reason why I am going to this event .

 

OK got my prepaid program and timetable through but there is nothing in it about loco workings for the freights!

 

Thursday 1st: 0855 BL 2857, 0900 MD 4160.
Friday 2nd: 0900 BL 4160

 

I am really looking forward to this gala , as I expect it might be my last before our move to the Isle of Man . It would have to be a VERY SPECIAL occasion for me to make another visit . I will get my steam fix on the Government owned and run IOM Steam Railway , we had a couple of weeks in August , ( supposed to be house hunting ) but did manage a few trips on the railway . Must admit the main reason for visiting this gala is due to the appearance of Tornado , I haven't had a chance to get up close to it yet , as there is no chance of seeing it on the IOM I thought I ought to make the effort .
I hope to bump into some old friends and maybe make some new friends , I should be there for Thursday and Friday .

Regards Paul . K

 

#‎WSRASG‬ There will be a free bus link between Taunton Railway Station and Bishops Lydeard Railway Station on Saturday October 3rd to help with public transport to and from the Autumn Steam Gala. The Crosville buses will operate from the South side of Taunton station in the morning at 07.55. 08.55 and 09.55 and in the evening from outside the booking office at 16.45. 17.45, 18.45 and 19.45. Of course Buses of Somerset service 28 will offer a half-hourly service between the two stations also.

Steve

 

#WSRASG

During the Gala, Tornado is chimney first towards Minehead on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday; and towards Taunton on the Sunday.

Kilmersdon and the Minehead shuttles will operate from 1100 to 1600 on the Saturday and Sunday of the Gala.

Steve

 

#WSRASG

For those who need to know, LNER 4-6-2 no 60136 Tornado will be chimney first towards Minehead on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the Gala, and chimney first towards Taunton on the Gala Sunday. Meanwhile, please note the shuttles out of Minehead Station with Peckett 0-4-0ST Kilmersdon will run between 11am and 4pm on the Saturday and Sunday of the Gala.

The pre-bookable fares on the official website are for Gala Rover tickets which allow a full day of travel to suit the ticketholder. However return tickets can be purchased on the day of travel at the Booking Offices or from the Travelling Ticket Inspectors on the trains. For a full round trip over the whole of the line these cost £18.50 per adult, £16.80 per senior and £9.25 per child aged 5 to 15 (except on Sunday 4 October when the child rate of just £2.00 for any journey including rovers will apply if the child is accompanied by a fare paying adult or senior). Of course return and single tickets are available for journeys between any WSR stations. With a return ticket, the holder can stop off once in each direction, so for example it would be possible to travel Bishops Lydeard to Watchet, look around and take a later train to Minehead. Then on the return stop off at Washford.

On Saturday 3 October only, there will be an extra free bus service between Taunton Railway Station and Bishops Lydeard Station. Running from the south side of Taunton Station (note - this is the opposite side to the main entrance) the Crosville buses will leave at 7.55am, 8.55am and 9.55am. They will leave Bishops Lydeard Station at 4.45pm, 5.45pm, 6.45pm and 7.45pm. Whilst not part of the WSR free bus service, visitors might note the First Buses of Somerset service 28 links Taunton town centre, Taunton Railway Station and Bishops Lydeard Station on all four days with a half hour interval service Thursday to Saturday and hourly on Sunday.

Steve
(on behalf of SEPT)

 

Why not turn it? This gala is getting worse